Overview
The merger of social media, streaming platforms, wagering and competitive video gaming has provided a robust marketplace for investors, companies and traditional sports teams. However, as with any innovative disruptive force, legal and regulatory uncertainty and challenges continually arise. The Esports, Sports Technology & Wagering team at Stinson is uniquely positioned to provide clients with informed and reliable guidance in these specialized industries.
ESPORTS, SPORTS TECHNOLOGY & WAGERING
Our Stinson team is uniquely qualified to address the complex and dynamic needs of our Esports, Sports Technology & Wagering clients. We offer the experience necessary to provide full-service legal counsel to stakeholders throughout the esports ecosystem, including mobile gamers, leagues, franchise owners, broadcasters, advertisers, publishers, agencies and promoters, distributors, sponsors, investors, banks and other leading corporations and individuals.
In addition to our esports proficiencies, we are well equipped to assist sports technology businesses. Our team has provided guidance to companies throughout the sports technology spectrum, including those utilizing augmented reality, biometric data and blockchain.
The Stinson Esports, Sports Technology & Wagering team is passionate about our clients’ businesses and we are able to provide critical insight and guidance – both traditional and emerging.
BETTING, GAMING INTEGRITY & FANTASY SPORTS
As more states enact laws surrounding legalized sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS), the Stinson team offers guidance on compliance in all facets of gaming laws, including the Travel Act, the Federal Wire Act, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Moreover, since the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA), the rise of DFS has been quick but tumultuous. States across the country have interpreted certain DFS platforms against the backdrop of UIGEA and other state and federal gambling laws. Thus, it is critical to have legal advisors who are up-to-date on attorney general opinions and legislation throughout the U.S. that regulate or prohibit DFS to minimize risk exposure.
CAPABILITIES
The Stinson Esports, Sports Technology & Wagering team can assist with the following legal needs:
Funding / Securities
- Family and friend's investors / seed capital
- Angel investors
- IPOs
- Commercial lending and traditional financing
- Venture capital, including introductions to venture capital investors, financial institutions, accelerator programs and alternative financing sources
Labor / Employment / Immigration
- Employment agreements
- Appearance contracts
- Immigration visas
Intellectual Property
- Online streaming rights and brand management
- Advertising, promotions and sponsorships
- Patent and trademark protections
- Licensing agreements
Strategic Ventures
- Joint ventures and strategic partnerships
- Mergers and acquisitions
Regulatory
- Data security, privacy and information governance
- League participation agreements
- Wagering and betting compliance opinions
- Investigations and enforcement
- Business and tax structuring
Team
Team
News & Insights
News
Publications
At the Corners Newsletter
At the Corners Newsletter
The sports marketplace has permanently changed, and Stinson is prepared to help you navigate these new challenges. Our publication, At the Corners, discusses relevant topics for you to stay in the game when it comes to esports, sports technology and wagering.
IN THIS ISSUE
- Sports teams and event venues are finding new ways to engage fans on jumbotrons and scoreboards, but these creative efforts carry potential legal risks. Evolving laws on publicity rights, copyright and privacy are prompting greater caution and consent requirements, not only with the commercial use of attendee images but also how teams use biometric facial scans.
- Event-based contracts are blurring the line between sports betting and federally regulated prediction markets. While federal preemption under the Commodities Exchange Act has allowed some operators to proceed despite state objections, split court rulings leave ongoing legal uncertainty for the emerging market.
- Misconduct allegations in sports organizations can quickly escalate under media scrutiny, making effective investigations critical. Determining the right investigator, maintaining privilege, and managing client roles are key to protecting credibility and controlling the narrative.
Jumbo and Not So Jumbo Risks of Displaying Fan Images at Sports and Event Venues
By: Steve Cosentino and Isabella Cuevas
By Brett Shanks & Alex Gunning
When Sports and Employment Law Collide — Playbook of Considerations When Starting an Investigation
By Amy Conway, Naima Starks and Marshall Kelner
If you would like to receive more information on these and other sports and entertainment topics, please subscribe to our At the Corners newsletter.
Previous Issues
Issue 11 - May 2025
Playing on the Edge - Sweepstakes Casinos Face Challenges
MLB and Sports Media Rights in the Streaming Era
Penn State Victory Maintains Uneasy Status Quo in Sports Merchandising Industry
Issue 10 - November 2024
Bottom of the Ninth: Forever Chemical Bans Take Effect in 2025. What's in Your Team Apparel?
Flag After the Play, Ruling on the Field Under Review: $4.8B NFL Sunday Ticket Antitrust Litigation
From Field to Firm: Lessons for Lawyers from Athletes' Mental Health Playbook
Issue 9 - April 2024
In Florida and Elsewhere, Officials Target Latest Fantasy Sports Games
On Your Mark: Strides in Trademark Infringement on Sports Merchandising
Marketing Partnerships with Olympic Athletes: Is it Worth the Effort for Cannabis Brands?
Issue 8 - October 2023
Decentralized Autonomous Organization Laws Across the U.S.
A New Type of Face Painting - The Use of Facial Recognition Technology in Sports Venues
Issue 7 - April 2023
Do Not Pass Go: The Plight of New Soccer Competitions in Europe
FTX Fallout: How Sponsorship Partners are Moving Forward
Pay-for-Play: The Status of College Athletes as Employees
Issue 6 - September 2022
Pass Interference: Potential Tax Implications of NIL Collectives in College Sports
Issue 5 - April 2022
Music Licensing in the Age of TikTok
Running a Legal Sweepstakes or Contest in the Esports and Online Gaming World
Show Me the Tokens – Using Cryptographic Tokens to Activate Fans
Issue 4 - October 2021
The Anti-Cheating Movement: Ridding Esports of Cheats
Esports Teams Face Enemy Fire from State Talent Agency Acts
A Dollar and a Dream: Student-Athlete Compensation in the Aftermath of U.S. Supreme Court's Alston Decision
Issue 3 - May 2021
Biometrics in the Ballpark – How Teams and Leagues Can Mitigate Data Collection Risk
The First Circuit Rules that the Wire Act Applies to Sports Betting Only
Morality Clauses in Contracts are Escape Hatches for Streaming Sponsors
Issue 2 - November 2020
What's Loot Got to do With It?
Should Investors be Wary of Esports Arenas? Traditional Stadium Litigation Hints at Risk
An Overview: Colorado's Expansion into Legalized Sports Wagering
Issue 1 - August 2020
A Victory for DFS and the "Predominate Factor Test"
There is a Price for Athlete Data
Revisiting the Federal Wire Act on Appeal
